Toxic megacolon

Definition

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It causes widening (dilation) of the large intestine within 1 to a few days.

Alternative Names

Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

Causes

Toxic megacolon occurs as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and infections of the colon. The term "toxic" means that this complication occurs with infection or inflammation, and is very dangerous.

This is not the same as other forms of megacolon, such as pseudo-obstruction, acute colonic ileus, or congenital colonic dilation. These conditions occur without infection or inflammation.